ini files won't install anymore

I have a two yr old CPU, was a Win95 sys updated to Win98 last yr. System was getting slow, so a fresh install of Win98 was done just after adding a new HD to the system. Have loaded approx 1/8 of the old apps back in. Have installed almost all of the Win98 critical updates, system was working fine until adding Nuts&Bolts (dont think this is the prob) and then TweakUI and QuickRes from the PowerToys folder on the Win98 CD - both of these installed and work fine. I re-visted MS Win98 update site and added the last of the security updates. Then I tried to add a monitor.ini (manf's file) to get beyond a plug&play monitor config., this ini file or anyother ini file will not install with the usual right click and a selection of the install option from the list. Nothing happens, not even an error msg. I am at a loss as to which DLL, VXD, or registry entry is at fault or needs replacement. Win98 is ver 4 retail with Service Pack 1 and updates. It may be related or not, but can't seem to get my modem back to COM1, for some reason it adds COM1 first with no modem and then adds my modem and assigns it to COM3... and it works OK, but software registations that look for a modem fail at COM1 and give only an option to print or fax the form. Tried the usual of removing both items... didn't work, same results.